Is Blood in Semen Caused by Prostatitis? Don’t Overlook Other Causes

When patients discover blood in their semen during routine ultrasound exams, a common concern is, "Doctor, I have hematospermia. Could this be prostatitis?"

Why Prostatitis Causes Hematospermia?

Prostatic fluid is a significant component of semen. Inflammation of the prostate gland leads to congestion, and excessive congestion can result in bleeding. This blood mixes with prostatic fluid, appearing as blood streaks in the semen.

Additionally, frequent sexual activity can exacerbate prostatitis, increasing the permeability of capillaries within the prostate. This heightened permeability can cause capillary rupture and subsequent bleeding into the prostatic fluid. The sudden expulsion of prostatic fluid during intercourse increases intra-prostatic pressure, also leading to capillary rupture and bleeding. Inflammation can also affect the prostate's coagulation function, making it harder for the bleeding to stop naturally.

Other Causes: Seminal Vesiculitis

While prostatitis is a known cause of hematospermia, it is not the only one. Seminal vesiculitis is actually a more common culprit.

Seminal vesicles, unlike the well-known prostate, are often unfamiliar to patients. These are paired, elongated, pouch-like organs situated behind and above the prostate and at the base of the bladder. They play a crucial role in semen composition, contributing about 60% of the ejaculate. The seminal vesicle fluid contains important substances such as fructose, ascorbic acid, and prostaglandins, which provide energy for sperm and facilitate their mobility and survival.

How Seminal Vesiculitis Causes Hematospermia

Seminal vesiculitis, an inflammation of the seminal vesicles, disrupts their normal function and structure, leading to tissue damage or ulceration. Bacterial infection is a primary cause, resulting in inflammation that can cause capillary rupture and bleeding into the semen. This inflammation also increases blood vessel permeability, allowing blood to seep into the seminal vesicle lumen.

Other factors contributing to hematospermia include pelvic trauma, excessive alcohol consumption, frequent sexual activity, and too frequent ejaculation, all of which can damage the seminal vesicles and cause bleeding.

Impact on Fertility and Treatment

Seminal vesiculitis can significantly affect sperm vitality and, if untreated, may lead to male infertility. Whether hematospermia is due to prostatitis or seminal vesiculitis, timely treatment is crucial. Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is a recommended treatment option. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, which can effectively eliminate pain and other symptoms, treating male urinary and reproductive system diseases, including prostatitis, seminal vesiculitis, epididymitis, and orchitis.

Daily Care and Prevention

While receiving treatment, patients should also focus on daily care:

1. Diet: Maintain a light diet, avoiding spicy and greasy foods, and refrain from smoking and drinking, as these can exacerbate symptoms by causing vasodilation.

2. Exercise: Engage in proper exercise to boost the body's resistance and overall health.

How to Prevent Hematospermia

1. Hygiene: Maintain good daily hygiene to prevent bacterial infections. Regularly wash the external genitalia and practice safe sex. Seek prompt treatment for conditions like seminal vesiculitis or prostatitis to prevent infection spread.

2. Lifestyle: Maintain a stable and pleasant mood, eat a balanced diet, and avoid strong stimulants. Reduce the frequency of sexual intercourse and avoid excessive masturbation.

3. Active Treatment: Seek timely medical attention if symptoms arise, and reduce sexual activity during treatment. Engage in moderate physical activities like jogging and walking to strengthen the body.

Conclusion

If you notice blood in your semen, urine, difficulty urinating, painful ejaculation, a sudden decrease in semen volume, or infertility, do not ignore these symptoms. Consult a healthcare provider and undergo an ultrasound examination to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.